SafePlants

Bassia hyssopifolia

Bassia hyssopifolia is a flowering plant species belonging to the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. It is commonly known as five-horn smotherweed or five-hook bassia.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant may be found in areas that are subject to modification, such as beaches or disturbed areas, locations pets may frequent.
• The plant is shrubby, suggesting it might be woody and have parts that could cause minor physical injury.

Considerations for Children

• This plant may be found in areas that are subject to modification, such as beaches or disturbed areas, locations children may frequent.
• The plant is shrubby, suggesting it might be woody and have parts that could cause minor physical injury.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall.) Kuntze
• Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth family, also known as the Pigweed family)
• Synonyms:
  • Salsola hyssopifolia
  • Echinopsilon hyssopifolius (Pall.) Moq.
  • Kochia hyssopifolia

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Eurasia.
• Introduced to North America around 1915 in Nevada and around 1930 in New England (Boston area).
• Inhabits salt marshes and sea beaches along the northeast Atlantic coast.
• Found in disturbed areas.

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive species in several states, including California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Morphological Characteristics

• An invasive, shrubby annual plant.
• Grows upright.
• Has inconspicuous flowers.
• Features linear leaves.
• Plants grow to be 5-100 cm tall.
• Stems are divaricately branched or simple.
• Leaves are sessile or sometimes narrowed into a pseudopetiole.
• Leaf blades are lanceolate-elliptic or lanceolate.